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Thursday, August 2, 2012

West Nile virus kills 4 in U.S.

" The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said Wednesday that
241 cases of West Nile virus disease, including four deaths, have been reported
in 42 states so far this year.

This is the highest number of cases reported through the end of July since
2004. Almost 80 percent of the cases have been reported from three states -
Texas, Mississippi and Oklahoma.

"It is not clear why we are seeing more activity than in recent years," said
Marc Fischer, epidemiologist with CDC's Arboviral Diseases Branch. "Regardless
of the reasons for the increase, people should be aware of the West Nile virus
activity in their area and take action to protect themselves and their
family."